Updated on: Apr 10, 2023
Are you tired of seeing the same boring cakes and cupcakes at every party? Mini desserts are great ideas for parties - they’re just so cute! Birthdays, weddings, baby showers, holidays - any & every type of party will adore these miniature pastries! Check out some ideas for mini desserts below.
Mini Desserts: Cakes
1. Mini Cupcakes
These tidbits can be found in bakeries, topped with an array of different frostings and toppings. Fill a table with multiple flavors to create a colorful display. Guests won’t be able to eat just one!
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2. Mini Bundt Cakes
Baked in a mini Bundt pan, these can be flavored with toasted coconuts, vanilla, chocolate, chopped nuts, or powdered sugar. These tiny wedding and birthday cakes can be wrapped up and handed out as party favors!
3. Mini Shortcake
Mini strawberry shortcakes are a great dessert for the warmer months and in an outdoor setting. Shortcake is sweet and simple enough but adding some fresh strawberries adds to the spring or summer season.
4. Mini Cheesecakes
Cheesecake pairs well with a wide assortment of flavors, so it is a great dessert to customize based on the season. Pecan pie cheesecake bites with caramel topping would go great with a fall wedding. Or a mini cheesecake with fresh berries with mint on top for a summer wedding. The possibilities are endless!
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5. Cake Pops
Cake pops are a great party food. Have them decorated to match the color scheme of your event!
Mini Desserts: Cookies
Now for the ultimate dessert item: cookies! Are you looking for cookie ideas that will leave your guests wondering how you managed such a delicious dessert? Whether you want a bakery in your area to bake these or are ready to bake them yourself, we can help. Here’s the perfect list for you - it goes far beyond your basic chocolate chip or sugar cookie.
6. Cookie Shots
Cookie shots are delicious, fun and come with a shot of cold milk to enjoy with your cookie. Another great thing about cookie shots is that you can prepare an assortment of flavors to accommodate all guests.
7. Cookie Surprise
For an easy, molten surprise, use your favorite cookie recipe (preferably chocolate chip) and hide a marshmallow, caramel, chocolate, or jam in the middle!
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8. Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want a way to create a savory treat without packing on the calories? All you need to do is take your favorite recipe and substitute it in whole-wheat flour where it calls for white flour! You can also cut down on the amount of sugar used by substituting semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark-chocolate morsels. Many bakeries offer healthier options when you’re “cookie shopping.”
Mini Desserts: DIY dessert bars
Another great idea for a wedding of any season is a DIY dessert bar. This option ensures that guests get to create their dessert to their liking, while also giving them something to do while they take a break from the dance floor.
9. Ice Cream Bar
We all scream for ice cream! It is hard to decide on a dessert all your guests will love but ice cream is always a hit. Ice cream is a simple dessert but you can elaborate it with sundae bars or mini ice cream bowls.
10. S'mores bar
S’mores dessert table is perfect for an outdoor wedding or Fall event. A mini s’mores bar lets guests create their own crunchy treat just the way they like it. Simply supplying graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and roasting sticks is a fun way to prepare dessert.
11. Fruit Bar
A fruit and yogurt bar is great for the health-conscious couple celebrating in the spring or summer months. Add a variety of yogurts and granola to your dessert bar to allow guests to build their own healthy sundae!
Let the Dessert Designing Begin!
Although cakes are classic for weddings, birthdays, or other parties, you don’t always have to go traditional! Mini desserts are a great way to switch things up. Are you still torn between treats for your event? Browse through your local bakeries and cake shops and see what you pick up. You’ll have plenty of ideas to choose from!
Written by Vanessa Marsocci and Kimberly Vona; Contributors: Kei Dowd and Isabel Tenney